Neuroprotective Activity of Protocatechuic Acid (3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid) to Treat Parkinson s Disease

The present study was designed to explore the possible neuroprotective role of protocatechuic acid (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) against rotenone induced locomotor, oxidative and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice. We also wanted to evaluate its ability to prevent neuronal degeneration in rotenone intoxicated mice. MethodsThirty mice, Albino strain, between 20 – 25 g, were included in the study. Group 1 is control group. It received sunflower oil 0.1 mL subcutaneously for two weeks. Group 2 received rotenone (1 mg / Kg) S.C. Group 3 also received rotenone (1 mg / Kg / day) S.C. in sunflower oil alternatively and Protocatechuic acid 10 mg / Kg B.W. P.O. for 2 weeks. Group 4 and 5 received rotenone as same in group 2 and Protocatechuic acid (25 mg / Kg) and (50 mg / Kg) B.W. P.O. After the finish of trial, open field test, stride length measurement, catalepsy, forced swim test, sucrose preference test and elevated plus maze test were conducted. ResultsExposure to Rotenone in mice led to reduction in peripheral and central movements. Pre-treatment with protocatechuic acid prior to rotenone exposure was able to maintain the both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. However, protocatechuic acid was effective in the maintenance of dopaminergic and nondopaminergic pathways. ConclusionsThis study strengthens the fact that the protocatechuic acid in rotenone-affected areas might offer neuroprotection.

Level of Awareness and Attitude towards Topical Steroids among Medical Interns.

Topical steroids are the most commonly prescribed drugs in dermatological setting, and they are also one of the most abused ones, as these drugs are very cheap, easily available over the counter, and provide quick relief in symptoms. This study aims to find the level of awareness and attitude regarding topical steroids among medical interns. MethodsThis was a cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among medical interns of 2014 batch of Rohilkhand Medical College in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy. The study was conducted with the help of a questionnaire that was modified from the study, Verma P, et al. This was followed by a presentation on topical steroids use, misuse and what steps can be taken to prevent their rampant misuse. Finally, a feedback was taken on importance of the study. ResultsTotal 69 medical interns were included in the study. Fifty-two interns had previously prescribed or used topical corticosteroids. Steroids (clobetasol, betamethasone, mometasone) in combination with either tretinoin & hydroquinone or antimicrobials were commonly abused. The commonest indication for which they were used were infections of which tinea was the most common followed by dark spots or as a fairness cream, acne, eczema, and other conditions such as pruritus, insect bite, burn, etc. ConclusionsThis study shows significant knowledge gap among medical interns regarding topical steroids. Thus, knowledge regarding topical corticosteroids is very essential and should be emphasized more during the MBBS period. More studies are required to study regarding their awareness and misuse.

Diagnosis and Management of Submandibular Sialolithiasis.

Submandibular gland is the most common site of stone formation among all the salivary glands, owing to its long duct, mucus rich saliva and antigravity flow. Swelling and pain on eating is its most common presentation. Most salivary stones are made up of calcium phosphates, and only a few contain pure organic material. Surgical removal is required, and the route of surgery is planned according to the site and size of the stone.METHODSWe conducted a cross sectional study on 25 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of submandibular sialolithiasis. Thorough history taking and clinical examination was followed by ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis and establish the site and size of the stone. Stone procured after removal was analysed chemically in the biochemistry laboratory.RESULTSOut of 25 patients, calculi in 11 cases were found in the intraglandular part of the submandibular gland and in 14 cases in the intraductal part of the gland. Out of the 14 cases with stone in the intraductal part, in 4 cases the stone was removed with the help of sialagogues and milking due to the very small size of the stone; whereas, in 10 cases the stone was removed intraorally with marsupialisation of the duct under local anaesthesia. In 11 cases the gland had to be removed along with the stone. As per the biochemical analysis, calcium and phosphate stones were the commonest in our study followed by oxalate calculi. Obtained results showed that the studied salivary stones had almost 10% association with nephrolithiasis. The salivary pH was acidic in 10 cases and alkaline in 15 cases.CONCLUSIONSCharacteristic history, thorough clinical examination and ultrasonic examination help us in the diagnosis of sialolithiasis. The site and size of the calculus is the deciding factor for the surgical plan. Biochemically stones are invariably composed of calcium and phosphates. Simultaneous occurrence of sialoliths and renal calculi was purely by chance or as a comorbidity needs to be studied more in a larger study group.

Antibiotic Use Evaluation in Genitourinary Tract Infections in Female Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Genitourinary tract infections are some of the most common infections in females. These problems are a challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prescribing pattern in three of the most common types of female genitourinary tract infections.METHODSA prospective and observational study was conducted on genitourinary tract infections in female patients at the gynaecology outpatient department in a tertiary care university hospital.RESULTSMajority of the infected female patients were in 26 - 35 years age group (31.8%) followed by 36 - 45 years age group (25.9%). The common infection noticed was urinary tract infection (42.2%), followed by pelvic inflammatory disease (32.2%) and vaginitis (25.5%) in infected female patients. The types of antibiotics prescribed for urinary tract infection were aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and penicillins. The commonly prescribed antibiotics for pelvic inflammatory disease were tetracyclines, azoles, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, and for vaginitis azoles and aminoglycosides. The most commonly prescribed class of antibiotics for urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease and vaginitis were fluoroquinolones (11.8%), azoles (11.8%) and aminoglycosides (15.7%), respectively. Oral route was the preferred mode of administration (71%), followed by rectal (suppositories, 17.2%) and topical (cream, 11.8%).CONCLUSIONSYoung married women in this urban Indian community have a high prevalence of genitourinary tract infections but seldom seek treatment. Education and outreach are needed to reduce the stigma, embarrassment and lack of knowledge related to genitourinary tract infections

A Comparative Study between Dexmedetomidine and Propofol for Fibre-optic Intubation.

Background: Providing adequate anxiolysis and sedation with a patent airway while performing fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation is a challenging task to an anaesthetist. Ideal sedation would ensure calm and cooperative patient maintaining spontaneous ventilation. Dexmedetomidine is such a α2a adrenergic agonist with sympatholytic, analgesic, and sedative properties. Though its role is very well documented for sedation, proving it better than propofol for the procedure is being considered in this study. Methods: In total of 60 patients, after nebulizing with 5 ml of 4% lignocaine over 10 minutes, 30 patients were infused with dexmedetomidine @1μg/kg over 10 minutes followed by 0.3μg/kg and rest with propofol @1mg/kg. Fiber-optic bronchoscopy was done after 10 minutes of infusion. Monitoring was done considering heart rate, blood pressure, Ramsay sedation score and patient tolerance. Results: had shown successful intubation in both cases but dexmedetomidine had a better outcome with respect to sympathetic response and patient tolerance. P value was significant for sedation score, pre and post bronchoscopic intubation sympathetic response. No episodes of airway obstruction and hypoxia were noted with dexmedetomidine as compared with propofol. Mean Ramsay sedation score was 3.77 as compared to 2.33 with propofol. Conclusion: In our comparative study, Dexmedetomidine had offered better patient tolerance with adequate sedation and preservation of airway as compared to propofol and a reduced hemodynamic response to intubation.

Synthesis, Evaluation and in silico studies of 1,8-Naphthyridine derivatives against antimicrobial activity.

In present studies a series of novel 1,8-Naphthyridine derivatives (3a-3f) have been synthesized using nalidixic acid as a starting material. The structures of the compounds were supported by FT-IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectral data. All the synthesized compounds have been evaluated in vitro for their antibacterial activities against several strains of microbes using agar dilution method. The synthesized compounds had moderate to good antibacterial activity. Molecular docking studies reveal that 1,8-Naphthyridine scaffold shared structural complimentary with DNA Gyrase B. Further, TOPKAT analysis on Ames mutagenicity model had shown that this class of compounds have least probability of showing toxicity on experimental animal models.

Timely Intervention Instead of the Type of Equipment Does Change the Outcome in a Life Threatening Condition: A Case Report.

We report a case of use of semi rigid intubating bougie to intubate a patient with large thyroid swelling in life threatening airway emergency in the absence of sophisticated equipments.

A rare anomaly of the foot presented as polydactyly.

Presence of one or more digit is called as polydactyly and may manifest singly or with other genetic disorders. The frequency of polydactyly varies widely among populations. It can occur as an isolated condition or as a feature of a congenital condition. Polydactyly is a rare condition, but still rare is in form of triple great toes. We describe a case in a 4‑year‑old child diagnosed as triphalangism foot with no other obvious visible anomaly. Osteoplasty‑combined surgery, which was ideal for anatomical reconstruction. In a 16‑month follow‑up period child recovered very well.

Two case reports of Ultrasonography features in male genital tuberculosis.

Genitourinary tuberculosis is the common manifestation of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. In the male genital tract, the epididymis followed by seminal vesicle, prostate, vas deferens and testis are commonly affected sites. Ultrasonography (USG) is the best imaging modality for the diagnosis of the diseases of male genital tract. We are presenting USG findings in two cases of male genital tuberculosis with involvement of the prostate, seminal vesicle, epididymis and vas deferens.

Myasthenia gravis and acute respiratory muscle paralysis following wasp sting.

A 34-year-old lady presented with generalised weakness of body, indistinguishable from myasthenia gravis within 24 hours of a wasp sting. Respiratory muscle paralysis leading to respiratory failure developed and mechanical ventilatory support was required. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

Associated anomalies with anorectal malformation (ARM).

OBJECTIVE: To find the prevalence of associated anomalies in children with anorectal malformation (ARM). METHODS: One hundred and forty patients (80 males and 60 females) with expand were studied to detect associated anomalies and to find their prevalence. High and low type of ARM was seen in 52.14% and 47.86% of patients respectively. Associated anomalies were more common with high type of ARM (78.08%) than in patients with low type of ARM (37.31%). 58.57% patients had associated anomalies which included those of urinary system (37.14%), vertebral system (34.28%), skeletal system other than vertebral (15.17%), genital system (14.29%), cardiovascular system (12.14%), gastrointestinal tract (10.7%) and spinal cord (10%). RESULTS: 37.43% patients had 3 or more than 3 components of VACTERL association. Two patients had all six components of VACTERL. Most common association was vertebral, anal and renal anomalies seen in 16 patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with ARM should undergo a detailed general physical, systemic and radiological examination (infanto-gram, echocardiography, US of urogenital system) in neonatal period to detect associated anomalies in early period.